How Common is PTSD After Earthquakes? A Study of the 2016 Central Italy Disaster

What you need to know

• About 22% of earthquake survivors developed PTSD symptoms two years after the disaster
• Women, older adults, and those closest to the earthquake’s epicenter were at highest risk
• Loss of home, witnessing death, and displacement were key factors in developing PTSD

The Human Impact of Natural Disasters

When the ground starts shaking in the middle of the night, life changes in an instant. On August 24, 2016, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Central Italy, claiming nearly 300 lives and leaving 30,000 people homeless. Beyond the immediate physical destruction, earthquakes can leave deep psychological wounds that affect survivors for years to come.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is more than just feeling stressed or anxious after a traumatic event. It’s a serious condition where people continue reliving the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares, avoid anything that reminds them of the event, experience negative changes in their thoughts and mood, and feel constantly on edge. While it’s normal to experience some of these reactions shortly after a disaster, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly impact daily life.

Key Findings from the Study

The researchers surveyed 281 earthquake survivors about two years after the disaster using validated psychological assessment tools. They found that about 22% of survivors were experiencing PTSD symptoms - similar to rates found in other earthquake-affected populations worldwide.

Several factors influenced who was most likely to develop PTSD:

• Women were twice as likely as men to experience symptoms
• Older adults showed higher rates than younger people
• Those living closest to the earthquake’s epicenter had three times the risk
• People who lost their homes or witnessed deaths were particularly vulnerable
• Being displaced from home for over 6 months increased risk significantly

Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities

The study identified several key factors that made people more vulnerable to developing PTSD:

1. Gender: Women showed greater susceptibility, possibly due to biological differences in stress response and cultural factors around emotional expression
2. Age: Older adults had more difficulty adapting to displacement and life changes
3. Education: Those with higher education levels showed more resilience
4. Employment: Job loss after the earthquake increased psychological distress
5. Social disruption: Extended displacement from home and community increased risk

What This Means for You

If you or someone you know has lived through an earthquake or similar disaster:

• Know that strong emotional reactions are normal but should gradually improve
• Seek professional help if symptoms persist beyond a month or significantly impact daily life
• Pay special attention to vulnerable groups like women, elderly, and those who lost homes
• Maintain social connections and support systems where possible
• Consider screening for PTSD if you experience ongoing distress
• Remember that treatment is available and recovery is possible

Conclusions

• Natural disasters can have long-lasting psychological impacts that require ongoing support and intervention
• Early screening and identification of high-risk individuals is crucial for preventing chronic PTSD
• Communities need both immediate emergency response and long-term mental health support after disasters